FS: Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?MM: I studied jewelry design at Fashion Institute of technology and started to make own jewelry. Since I was in New York,
It was normal being artist.

FS: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?MM: I had own space in my apartment. Recently, I am working on 3D modeling than hand made.

FS: What is "design" for you?MM: Based on the concept what I have, it is way to describe what I feel and think.

FS: What kinds of works do you like designing most?MM: Fine jewelry, has lot of geometrics and details.

FS: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?MM: Simple and clean but balanced.

FS: What was the first thing you designed for a company?MM: It was a collection for fashion jewelry line. Used rough rose cut and diamond and 22k gold.

FS: When do you feel the most creative?MM: When I done very different taste of work as usual.

FS: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?MM: Balance.

FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?MM: Most of the time I'm happy but I'm frustrated when nothing coming up on my mind.

FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?MM: I am happy and proud of my work.

FS: What makes a design successful? MM: Challenge and curiosity.

FS: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?MM: Bad, I need time to improve my work.

FS: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?MM: Not hurt anyone, people, animals and environment.

FS: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?MM: No, everything looks same these days so it will be less variety.

FS: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?MM: 2013 SNAG Conference in Toronto, Canada. Not planned anything yet.

FS: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?MM: Anything around me. People, flower, tree, birds, etc..

FS: How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?MM: One of a kind with twist of fine jewelry.

FS: Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?MM: I am from Japan, my design is delicate, clean, simple and detailed which are seen in traditional japanese design.

FS: How do you work with companies?MM: Mostly working as a freelance.

FS: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?MM: First of all, I have a lot of meeting and conference before start working with. It's not only for design but to know if we are good match.

FS: Can you talk a little about your design process?MM: It depends on what I make. Sometime to start sketch and curve wax. I like to use internet to research what style is trend now. Then, use computer if the design is actually functions.

FS: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?MM: PC, sketchbook using since I was at school, Book, color pencil, tracing papers.

FS: Can you describe a day in your life?MM: Wake up and a cup of coffee, work, eat, sleep.

FS: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?MM: Try to be different from others.

FS: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?MM: Positives are being creative, it's important for life. Negatives are too competitive and difficult to survive.

FS: What is your "golden rule" in design?MM: Stay simple.

FS: What skills are most important for a designer?MM: Computer for future.

FS: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?MM: Software, books.

FS: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?MM: Focus on my work.

FS: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?MM: Depends what I work on.

FS: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?MM: How much do you charge for one design.

FS: What was your most important job experience?MM: Working as a bench worker.

FS: Who are some of your clients?MM: some fashion jewelry companies.

FS: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?MM: working on wedding band is one of my favorite. I am happy that people chosen me for very important rings.

FS: What are your future plans? What is next for you?MM: Be a designer famous jewelry house.

FS: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?MM: working by my self.

FS: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?MM: It's secret until I finish it.

FS: How can people contact you?MM: e-mail me

FS: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?MM: No, thank you so much.

FS: Thank you for providing us with this opportunity to interview you.

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